TACLOBAN CITY – The Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently launched its “Operation Tulong,” a relief mission in the response to the urgent needs of calamity victims affected by typhoons “Winnie” and “Yoyong.”

The mission is answer to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s call to all agencies of the government as well as to the private sector to join hands in helping flood victims in the areas of Quezon, Aurora, Nueva Ecija and other parts of the country.

Maj. Neneveigh Alcovindas, Unit Commander of the 34 th Civil elations Unit, CRSAFP in Eastern Visayas said that Brig. Gen. Alexander B. Yano, commanding general of CRSAFP, turned over6 numerous boxes of assorted foods, medicines and clothing to the technical assistant of the Office of the President for immediate distribution to the different evacuation centers.

Alcovindas added that non-government organization, soldiers and friends of CRSAFP were among the donors of the said goods. He said the project is still ongoing as more pledges of donations from the individu9als and groups continue to come in with the doctor’s commitment to help the unfortunate victims of the recent calamities.

Likewise, Brig. Gen. Yano warded military merit medals to the officers and men of the 2 nd Civil Relations Group (2CRG) for their meritorious services rendered during the conduct of disaster, relief, and rehabilitation operations in the affected areas Quezon Province.

On the other hand, the AFP has mobilized its air, water and land forces for rescue and relief operations in isolated areas to bring floods, medicines, and basic commodities to the flood victims. Soldiers endured long walks with heavy loads of relief goods, as roads and bridges remained inaccessible for transport, just assure that the basic needs can be delivered to the flood victims especially in far-flung areas.